As parents, we often find ourselves celebrating our children’s “firsts” — their initial steps, first words, and that unforgettable first tantrum at the grocery store. However, as they mature, we begin to encounter milestones that can easily go unnoticed until they are over. These are the “lasts”: the final time they sip from a sippy cup, the last bedtime cuddle, and the final instance where we kneel down to wrap our arms around them (thankfully, their last tantrum in public too!).
During a recent jog, I found myself reflecting on my own adult “lasts.” Having completed seven marathons in my 20s and 30s, I’ve been toying with the idea of training for another. It’s amusing (in a somewhat ironic way) how life, parenting, fatigue, and yes, even wine, have sidelined my ambitions for over a decade. Yet, I hold tightly to the aspiration of crossing another finish line, even though it never seems like the perfect moment to begin that training. Compounding this, injuries have plagued my recent years, one notably forcing me into what I humorously refer to as The Subway Ride of Shame during a 10-mile race when I could no longer continue.
The notion that I may never again experience the thrill of running a marathon struck me profoundly, leaving me unsettled. Have I possibly run my final marathon? Will I ever regain the mental and physical strength to complete another? This sobering thought prompted me to ponder other potential “lasts” I might have encountered. My musings included:
- When was the last time I executed a cannonball into a pool? Did I nail it?
- Have I swung on a playground swing for the last time?
- What about dancing? Have I unknowingly enjoyed my last dance night with friends? If I wanted to dance again with my peers in their 40s, where would we go? Perhaps the local community center or a casual eatery?
- I’ve begun to shy away from wearing shorts. Have I donned my last pair? Did I at least look good in them?
- Ice skating — will I ever glide like the character in Ice Castles again?
- I didn’t even tune into the last season of that popular reality show. Could it be I’ve seen my final episode?
- Most perplexingly, when did I last run naked down the street? (Just to clarify, I’ve never actually done that, but my thoughts wandered during a long run.)
After my run, I felt compelled to take action against these “lasts.” While there are certainly experiences I’d happily leave behind (like excessive drinking), there are many that I wish to cherish for as long as possible. Therefore, I decided to compile a list—akin to a Bucket List, but on a smaller scale, perhaps a Dixie Cup List or even a Thimble List—of simple joys that I will intentionally continue to embrace to stave off those dreaded final times.
Here are a few activities I refuse to consider as having done for the last time:
- Laughing and sharing drinks with friends until the early morning hours.
- Wearing a bikini top (I’ve long since retired the bottoms).
- Riding a rollercoaster.
- Attending concerts where the average attendee is significantly older than 14.
- Finishing a whole bag of Skittles in under five minutes.
- Jumping on a trampoline.
- Wearing clothing clearly aimed at a younger demographic.
- Throwing a football.
- Sledding.
- Forming a new close friendship.
- Painting my nails an outrageous color.
- Leaping into a pile of leaves.
- Hosting a large gathering even when I’d rather not.
- Organizing a weekend getaway with my college friends.
- Building a snowman.
- Pogo-sticking.
- Bodysurfing.
- Engaging in body shots (I meant visiting the Body Shop!).
- Purchasing an extravagant lipstick just for fun.
- Wearing Athleta dresses all summer long.
- Exploring New York City without a destination.
- Jumping in puddles during a downpour.
Ultimately, I haven’t run my last marathon; it remains on my Thimble List, so I must make it happen. And if my body rebels against me? Well, there’s always the option of streaking, naturally.
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In summary, while we may encounter “lasts” throughout our lives, embracing the moments that bring us joy and connection is crucial. The goal is to continue creating new memories rather than dwelling on what may have been.
Keyphrase: Navigating Adult Lasts
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